Breastfeeding or Bottle-feeding?

Question

Which is better and why? Ive always had these thoeries about milk coming from another species, but I want my child to have enough nutirents in their diet once born but I dont want to be sore either! lol Please help...

Answer 1

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Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial acts a mother can do for her child. Dramatic health benefits have been proven to pass from mother to child through breastmilk From antibodies which protect an infant at birth...to the exclusive nutrients in mother's milk which have been shown to prevent a number of childhood diseases...the benefits are incalculable. There is no other single action by which a mother can so impact the present and future health of her baby.


Yet, in today's society, breastfeeding is often thought of as unnecessary. Young mothers are mistakenly led to believe that formula does very well as a replacement for breastmilk. It emphatically does not! Nothing can duplicate the properties of breastmilk, no matter how many vitamins, minerals and supplements are added to what is basically a chemical formulation.

Breastmilk remains the one and only natural, complete and complex nutrition for human infants. It is nature's formula for ensuring the health and quality of life for infants, as well as on through childhood to adult life. Just as importantly, breastfeeding promotes a very special bond between mother and child that only a mother can provide.

To fully understand the benefits of breastfeeding, these are some of the major, but by no means all of the benefits of breastfeeding your baby.



Breastfeeding Facts
Health Benefits to Babies Who Breastfeed


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Children receive the most complete and optimal mix of nutrients & antibodies

The varying composition of breastmilk keeps pace with the infant's individual growth and changing nutritional needs

Have fewer incidences of vomiting and diarrhea in the US (20-35 million episodes of diarrhea occur in children under the age of 5, resulting in over 200,000 hospitalizations and 400-500 deaths in the U.S.)

Protection against gastroenteritis, necrotizing entercolitis

Reduced risk of chronic constipation, colic, and other stomach upsets

Reduced risk of childhood diabetes

Protection against ear infections, respiratory illnesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, kidney infections, septicemia (blood poisoning),

Protection against allergies, asthma, eczema, and severity of allergic disease

Reduced risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) Statistics reveal that for every 87 deaths from SIDS, only 3 are breastfed.

Protection against meningitis, botulism, childhood lymphoma, crohn's disease and ulcerative entercolits

Decreased risk of tooth decay (cavities)

Nursing promotes facial structure development, enhanced speech, straighter teeth and enhances vision.

Breastfed infants develop higher IQ's, and have improved brain and nervous system development; IQ advantage of 10-12 points studied at ages 8, 12, and 18. (Breastfeeding is considered the 4th trimester in brain growth and development...there are specific proteins in human milk that promote brain development))

Reduced risk of heart disease later in life

Increased bone density

Breastfeeding plays an important role in the emotional and spiritual development of babies

Breastfed babies enjoy a special warm bonding and emotional relationship with their mothers

Antibody response to vaccines are higher

Are hospitalized 10 times less than formula fed infants in the first year of life

The colostrum (first milk) coats the GI tract, preventing harmful bacteria and allergy -triggering protein molecules from crossing into baby's blood

Decreased risk for vitamin E and Iron deficiency anemia

Decreased risk for acute appendicitis, rheumatoid arthritis, inguinal hernia, pyloric stenosis

There are factors in human milk that destroy E coli, salmonella, shigella, streptococcus, pneumococcus....and many others

Less risk of childhood obesity





Health Benefits to Moms Who Breastfeed


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Reduced risk of breast, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers

Reduced risk of anemia

Protection against osteoporosis and hip fracture later in life

Reduced risk of mortality for women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with total time of lactation

Helps the mother's body return to its pre-pregnancy state faster - promotes weight loss...1/2 of calories needed to manufacture milk is pulled from fat stores... can burn from 500 - 1,500 calories per day.

Helps delay return of fertility and to space subsequent pregnancies

Develops a special emotional relationship and bonding with her child

Breastmilk is free- reducing or eliminating the cost of formula (in the thousands of dollars/per year)

Breastfed babies are sick less thus reducing healthcare costs to family in Doctor office visits, prescriptions, over the counter medicine purchases, and hospitalizations

Moms miss less time off from work due to child related illnesses

Helps the uterus contract after birth to control postpartum bleeding



Benefits to the Environment and Society


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Breastfeeding reduces the cost of healthcare by promoting healthier children and mothers..........If all WIC babies in the U.S. were breastfed, our economical savings would be $33,000,000 per month ..........In 1993, 90,000 babies were hospitalized for RSV at a cost of 450 million dollars. Currently, the U.S. spends over 1 billion dollars a year on Otitis Media (ear infections)

Reduced insurance premiums for both parents and employers

Breastfeeding reduces global pollution by decreasing the use of resources and energy required to produce, process, package, distribute, promote and dispose of materials created by the manufacture and use of artificial baby milk

Reduced tax burden on communities and government to ensure children are properly fed

Reduced absenteeism in the workplace due to children's illnesses



Other Benefits from Breastfeeding



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Breastfeeding makes you feel good, the hormones produced during nursing have an endorphin effect giving you a relaxed feeling.
You have a great excuse to sit down and relax.....
You can nurse while sleeping...nursing moms get more rest than formula feeding moms.
Breastfeeding saves moms about 7 hours a week off their feet.
No screaming baby in the middle of the night waiting on the formula to heat up.
It's the only time you can ever lose weight without dieting or exercise!
Breastfeeding is more convenient, when traveling, all you need is to take diapers, the milk is always available, sterile, and the right temperature.
During times of disaster, you don't have to worry about finding formula.
Breastfed babies smell great....spit ups don't stain, or smell, and poopie diapers are not offensive...(until solids are introduced)
Breastfed babies know their moms and will never confuse them with a sitter.
The strong bond developed with nursing is much more intense.
There is no feeling to describe the child suckling at your breast and letting go to give you a big smile; and knowing that the growth of your baby came from what your body produced! Wow! What a feeling!
The satisfaction of knowing you are giving your baby the best start in life!
Breastmilk taste great! Sweet tasting! Variations in taste according to foods moms eats. Have you ever tasted formula? Ugh!
Breastfeeding requires the use of only one arm....you can do other things while breastfeeding, (except cooking and driving)

Answer 2

The other poster was right that you are going to start a war - I will just give you my basic take on it - When I was pregnant with my daughter, I was kind of indifferent abotu breastfeeding...I though tit was one of those things that you should give a try, but that if it doesn't work out, formula is good too... After I had her, I decided to breastfeed and I now pump exclusively - she is seven months and has never had formula - and it is hard to explain, but I am addicted to doing something that is so good for my baby... I think the best way to put it is that breast milk is perfect nutrition for a baby....much less tummy issues, better immunity, less risk of obesity and allergies I would say that the only pro of formula is the convenience factor - I do feel that breastfeeding should be the first choice but if it doesn't work after a valid try, then formula is a healthy alternative - and don't let people make you feel bad about your decision - just try to do what is right for your baby!

Answer 3

Breast feeding has alot of advantages. It is a wonderful bonding experience for mother and baby, breast milk provides nurients and anti bodies for your baby that nothing else can, it will lower your chances of developing breast cancer, you always have food on hand for bub, and you will burn up calories by breast feeding, and that will help you to get you body back in shape after the pregnancy. As far as being sore goes, you are probably going to experience some soreness in the early weeks, getting baby to latch on and dry cracked nipples can be very painfull. I had to take panadol before feeding with my first as it hurt so much I would be in tears every time I fed. This lasted for the first couple of weeks. I also suffered from mastitis twice! that is when a milk duct becomes blocked and gets infected.It couses a hard painful lump in the breast, and if not detected early you will suffer fever and feel really all. The hard part is still feeding even though it hurts like hell! I am telling you all this because nobody tells you the truth about this stuff when your pregnant! Ofcourse having said all that I breast feed both my children and absolutely loved it once I got the hang of it! Besides, if you can handle child birth you can handle anything!

Answer 4

Breastfeeding is better, simply because it is the perfect food created just for your baby.
It's free, always warm, no bottles needed and nothing to wash.
It's very convenient for those late-night feedings.
The soreness in your breasts is a minor thing when you know you are giving your baby what is best for him/her.
Initially the soreness lasts about a week, until your baby has learned to nurse correctly and your nipples have toughened a bit from the frequent sucking.
After that, you can prevent engorgment by nursing your baby frequently or using a breast pump to express the milk and store for later.
Breastfed babies have fewer allergies and less colic.
Breastmilk has everything your baby needs as far as nutrition, and also contains antibodies necessary to ward off illnesses- formula does not.
Breastmilk is more easily digested than formula.

Basically, what you get from formula is knowing exactly how much food your baby is taking in, no akwardness if feeding in public, others can feed your baby without needing you to express milk to a bottle, and some women are not able to or do not feel comfortable with breastfeeding. If you don't feel comfortable, you will not be able to successfully nurse, and it won't be a pleasant experience for you or your baby.

I have 4 kids and all mine are/were breastfed. I would not have traded specialness that with my kids for anything, but each mom has to decide what's right for her child.

Answer 5

There is a special moment the first time you feed your child often the most important moment is when the child latches on for the first time. Breast milk is tailor made for your children with a special mix of vitamins and nutrients that no other milk contains just you. There is a lot of debate over which one is better. Some women can't breastfeed while others overflow with milk. I think it comes down to what you feel is best for you and your child.

Answer 6

a baby from the birht until about 6 months are prescribed to take breast milk because it contain more nutrients than powdered milk its also can be digested faster of the baby.it was also said to strength the bond between the mother and the baby ...maybe after 6 months you can also feed him powdered milk as substitute so that as the baby starts to have teeth he already knows powdered milk but once in a while breast feed him until he's two

Answer 7

"Better" is very subjective. They say that breast milk is better because the child's less likely to develop allergies and gets antibodies not available in formula. Also, I've heard that breastfeeding lowers the risk of cancer. On the other hand, it does take a physical toll on the breasts. Be sure to factor in the pleasure...it's very real, creating a bond between the child and mother. The pleasure of breastfeeding is a sexual reaction.

Answer 8

Hello mom-to-be! Breast is best as they always say - and its true. I also found breast feeding VERY painful and the pain did not subside. I started expressing milk and feeding to my baby in a bottle. Thats what worked for me! But remember, you must do whatever you are comfortable with all what keeps both you and baby happy.

If its uncomfortable, then switch to the bottle wherther it be formulae or breast milk. babies do just fine on formulae. x

Answer 9

Breastfeeding helps provide an infant with the natural antibodies the mother has. It is also easier to digest. All the doctors I've worked with recommend it, at least initially. You can use a pump and save it up, if need be, so you can go back to work, etc. Read more at www.webmd.com . Talk with your doctor and let him guide you to the right decision for you. Good luck!

Answer 10

Breast feeding is better for the child, both physically and psychologically, if it is at all possible. Sometimes it is just not feasible. But don't worry about "being sore." That's going to be very minor compared to what is really a very pleasurable experience for most women. Again, we are talking both physically and psychologically.

Answer 11

Well then you have a dilemma. Either you deal with being sore for two weeks and feed your baby the way nature intended or, use a bottle. Personally I am for breastfeeding, because it's what breasts were made for.